Job Title: STEM Careers Adviser

Job Description

Job title: STEM Careers Adviser

Reporting to: Director of Business Development

Primary purpose of the role

·  To inspire young people to study STEM subjects and consider careers in STEM related occupations.

·  To increase the pool of young people undertaking STEM subjects post 16 by raising awareness of STEM based careers and engaging in STEM activities and events

·  Building strong partnerships with Primary and Secondary Schools and the relevant Local Authorities to promote careers in Engineering, Aviation, Rail and Manufacturing.

Description of Job Role

The role of the STEM Careers Adviser is to inspire the next generation to undertake STEM based learning pathways that will enable them to acquire knowledge and skills in the technical disciplines needed for the sustainability and growth of the UK Economy. Achieving good grades in STEM GCSE subjects opens a world of career opportunities for young people. The vast majority of whom continue to study these or related subjects in further and higher education that can to build to an exciting and gainful career. The role needs to focus on increasing the number and quality of young people undertaking broader STEM subjects at GCSE such as computer science and engineering, in addition to science and maths. It also needs to increase the number of students continuing to study STEM subject post-16, with the intention of progressing into the range of STEM A Levels and Apprenticeships, particularly in Engineering, at the College or other institutions.

Industries such as Rail, Aviation and advanced manufacturing rely on a supply of well qualified, competent and rounded engineers. Therefore the ability of the further and higher education sector to attract motivated and able young people into its engineering and technology provision is vital for the prosperity of our employers and the wider economy whilst providing gainful careers for the future workforce.

The post holder will work closely with the PROCAT marketing department and the STEM Programme Manager at Essex County Council to ensure that the PROCAT careers activities are delivered in partnership with the ECC STEM in Schools programme to provide a more coherent approach for schools, learners and employers.

Key Responsibilities: Engagement, Inclusion and Recruitment

1.  Attend school events, open days and exhibitions to showcase and promote STEM based careers and technical apprenticeship opportunities in industry, with a particular emphasis on the rail and aviation sectors

2.  Make referrals of appropriately committed young people to the PROCAT IAG Advisors so that young people who are interested can gain advice and guidance on appropriate learning pathways

3.  Co-ordinate the PROCAT careers guidance programme of work to optimize opportunities for careers information and IAG and ensure high quality and consistent approached that promotes STEM

4.  Work with the Marketing Manager to commission high quality sector materials, such as videos, case studies etc. to engage young people in STEM subject and sectors

5.  Work closely with the Essex County Council STEM Manager and PROCAT IAG Advisors to:

·  provide young people with opportunities for work experience and recruitment into apprenticeships at PROCAT or other institutions

·  establish relationships with other STEM Education/skills organisations to maximize exposure and opportunities for local school students

·  identify opportunities for IAG staff and College instructors to undertake sector relevant CPD to enhance their industry knowledge and professional development

6.  Establish and facilitate a STEM Apprentice Ambassador programme where PROCAT apprentices and, where possible, their employers visit local schools, advocating STEM apprenticeships and career pathways, mentoring young people in their STEM subjects and setting real life project work.

7.  Establish and facilitate the running of a Young Engineers Club (run by PROCAT Engineering tutors) to enable school age students to engage in real engineering related activities and projects and with industry employers

8.  Interaction with the PROCAT Employer Committees for Engineering and Construction to share ideas and engage employers in STEM careers activities

9.  Support the IAG Advisers to achieve recruitment targets so that programmes are maintained and with GTA Advisors and delivery staff to help ‘match’ learners to apprenticeship opportunities.

10.  Ensure that activities and communications encourage the participation of all young people and are mindful of underrepresented groups in industry

Essential / Desirable
Education & Training
Ø  NVQ level 3 or above in Recruitment or equivalent qualification / √
Ø  Hold suitable IAG qualifications or be prepared to undertake these / √*
Ø  Minimum of GCSE A-C or Level 2 equivalent qualification(s) in English, science and mathematics
/ √
Experience which demonstrates:
Ø  A sound knowledge of STEM subjects and the associated industries and career pathways / √
Ø  Project management skills / √
A proven background in either Engineering or STEM subject based Education / √
Ø  Empathy with young people and their parents/carers / √
Ø  The ability to recruit and conduct all necessary checks and paperwork / √
Ø  An ability to show initiative in developing and delivering projects / √
Ø  An ability to provide accurate information as and when required / √
Ø  An ability to deal with people sensitively and confidentiality within policies and procedures / √
Ø  Competent use of database systems to record, analyse data and provide reports / √
Ø  An ability to present information to individuals and groups in an engaging and informative manner / √
Personal Skills & Qualities
Ø  Articulate and approachable, good interpersonal skills / √
Ø  Excellent communication skills and customer service / √
Ø  Able to communicate with students, parents and outside agencies at all levels, both verbally and in writing / √
Ø  Excellent presentation skills and the ability to inspire people about science and engineering / √
Ø  Good personal organisation / √
Ø  Able to work under pressure and to deadlines / √
Ø  High level of attention to detail / √
Ø  Flexibility and ability to devise strategies to engage, include and retain learners / √
Ø  Ability to use initiative / √
Ø  Honesty and Integrity / √
Ø  Professional Appearance / √

*Willingness to qualify is essential

Terms and conditions

·  Fixed term post until July 2016 (with a view to extension/ permanent contract)

·  37.5 hours a week (Contracted and working hours are negotiable)

·  Minimum salary £26,500